Gimenez immediately makes his mark in Milan: 'He gets it right away'

Santiago Gimenez wasted no time making his presence felt in Italian football, delivering a memorable debut for AC Milan on Wednesday night as the Rossoneri secured a 3-1 victory over AS Roma in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.

The highly anticipated clash at San Siro saw the former Feyenoord striker provide a crucial assist for fellow newcomer João Félix, instantly winning over the Milan faithful and earning praise from both fans and his new coach, Sergio Conceição.

For Gimenez, this was more than just an introduction it was a statement. The 22-year-old Mexican forward, who arrived in Milan amid high expectations, seamlessly integrated into the squad despite only having one training session with his new teammates. His link-up play with Félix was particularly eye-catching, and their combination for Milan’s third goal was a moment of brilliance. Receiving the ball under pressure, Gimenez displayed excellent awareness and technical ability to set up Félix, who finished clinically to put the game beyond Roma’s reach. The goal not only confirmed Milan’s place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals but also gave fans a tantalizing glimpse of what could be a formidable attacking partnership in the making.

After the match, coach Sergio Conceição did not hold back his satisfaction with the way his new signings adapted to the team’s tactical demands. However, he also emphasized that Milan still has a long way to go in their quest for silverware. “I am very happy with the two new forwards,” the Portuguese manager told the Italian press. “But we haven’t won anything yet there are still three matches to play if we want to lift the trophy. João and Santiago have only trained once, but they immediately understood what was required.” Conceição’s words reflected a mix of optimism and caution, a reminder that while the early signs are promising, success in Italian football requires consistency and resilience.

The significance of Gimenez’s impact goes beyond just this match. His arrival at Milan had already generated excitement, with the Rossoneri looking to bolster their attacking options as they aim to compete on multiple fronts. The club has been searching for a dynamic, goal-scoring forward to complement their existing squad, and Gimenez fits the profile perfectly. His ability to play as a traditional number nine while also contributing to the team’s build-up play makes him a valuable asset for Milan’s tactical setup. Against Roma, he showcased his ability to drop deep, hold up the ball, and bring others into play qualities that will be essential as Milan fights for domestic and European success.

Beyond the pitch, Gimenez’s influence is already being felt in Milan. According to Claro Sports, the Mexican striker has had an astonishing impact off the field, accounting for a staggering 92 percent of Milan shirts sold in recent days. This surge in sales highlights his popularity, particularly among the club’s growing Latin American fanbase. His transfer to Milan has further strengthened the club’s connection with Mexican and South American supporters, a market that has historically been passionate about Italian football.

Meanwhile, the excitement surrounding João Félix has also been palpable. The Portuguese forward, whose career has seen its share of ups and downs, is looking to reignite his form at Milan after struggling to find consistency at Atlético Madrid and Chelsea. His goal against Roma was a reminder of the talent that once made him one of the most sought-after young players in world football. The chemistry he displayed with Gimenez in their first match together suggests that Milan may have struck gold with their attacking reinforcements.

Milan’s victory over Roma also carried strategic importance. This marks the second time in three years that Milan has reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals, an impressive achievement considering that before 2022, they had only made the final once in their previous 62 attempts, back in the 1975/76 season. With Juventus and Inter Milan still in the competition, the path to the trophy remains challenging, but Milan’s growing momentum has given fans renewed hope of ending their long wait for domestic cup success.

The post-match atmosphere at San Siro was filled with optimism, but Milan’s social media team couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta following the win. Arteta had previously blamed a match ball for a poor Arsenal performance, saying, “This ball is completely different from a Premier League ball.” In response, Milan humorously labeled the match ball from their victory against Roma as “the culprit,” a subtle but amusing reference to Arteta’s earlier comments. The post quickly went viral, earning laughs from Milan fans while adding a bit of extra spice to the club’s online presence.

Looking ahead, Milan will now turn their focus to the Coppa Italia semi-finals, where they will face either Juventus or Fiorentina in what promises to be a tough challenge. The other semi-final will see Inter Milan take on either Lazio or Atalanta, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle between some of Italy’s biggest clubs. With Gimenez and Félix providing fresh energy to Milan’s attack, the Rossoneri will believe they have the firepower to go all the way.

In the meantime, Milan must also balance their domestic cup ambitions with their Serie A campaign. Their next match against Empoli will be another crucial test, as they aim to maintain their position near the top of the league table. Coach Sergio Conceição has already emphasized the importance of focusing on each game as it comes, reminding his players that success is built on consistency. “Now we have to prepare for the next match against Empoli, a team I enjoy watching,” Conceição said. “Their recent results haven’t been great, but Serie A is always very difficult.”

For Milan fans, the future looks bright. Gimenez’s debut provided a glimpse of what he can bring to the team, and alongside Félix, he could play a key role in Milan’s quest for silverware. The chemistry between the two new signings is already evident, and if they can build on their promising start, they could become one of the most exciting attacking duos in Italy. With a Coppa Italia semi-final on the horizon and the potential for even more success this season, Milan’s ambitions are higher than ever. The Rossoneri faithful will be hoping that this is just the beginning of something special.